Teen Stabs Rival Over £20 Debt, Mother Calls 999
Joshua Delbono, 19, stabbed 16-year-old Charley Bates in Somerset over a £20 debt. The shocking attack ended when Joshua’s own mother dialled 999, saying she couldn’t “let him go anywhere.”
During the emergency call, the mum bravely confessed, “My son has killed someone. He’s in my house now, and I can’t let him go anywhere,” before handing the phone to Joshua himself.
Rival Gangs Clash Ends in Tragedy
The killing happened after a heated brawl between rival youth gangs in Frome, Bristol. Joshua owned up to stabbing Charley in the heart but denied murder, claiming self-defence.
The court heard the fight erupted after insults flew between the groups. Joshua repeatedly stabbed Charley with a five-inch blade because of old grudges involving gang members.
As the attackers fled, one shouted, “Don’t mess with us again!”
Guilty Verdict After Two-Week Trial
Despite Joshua’s claims, the jury found him guilty after a tense two-week trial.
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Almond of Avon and Somerset Police said, “Our thoughts and sympathies remain with Charley’s family, who have endured unimaginable pain. We continue to support them with specially trained officers.”
He added, “Charley had his whole life ahead of him. Joshua Delbono cruelly cut it short.”
Community Mourns Fallen Teen
A vigil in Radstock showed how deeply Charley’s death hit the local community. Such knife crime tragedies are rare in the area but have devastating impacts on families and neighbours.
DCI Almond vowed, “We’re working with partners to stop more tragedies like this. Knife crime destroys lives, and we must do everything to prevent it.”
